State Minister Encourages Diaspora Members to Invest in Jamaica

Washington DC – State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Arnaldo Brown, is encouraging members of the Diaspora to invest in Jamaica, which is wide open for business.

The Minster, who was addressing a launch event for the upcoming 5th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held at the Jamaica Consulate in New York City, said there is room for more investors on the island and he encouraged persons to capitalize on the tremendous benefits of brand Jamaica.

"Other groups see the (potential) gold mine; however, we must move in and mine it for ourselves. Jamaicans working together can make Jamaica better," Minister Brown said.

He added that the newly introduced Diaspora Marketplace Exposition, would allow exhibitors to present business and investment opportunities to persons attending the conference, which is to be held at the Montego Bay Convention Center (MBCC), under the theme: ‘Nation on a Mission: Jamaica- Diaspora Partnership for Development,’ from June 16 to 19.

Major projects on display will include; the Global Logistics Hub; Agro Parks; the redevelopment of downtown Kingston; ICT Parks; and partnerships for Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

Distancing himself from what he termed, ‘the hat in hand mentality’, Minister Brown, who has portfolio responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, promised that the conference will break new and exciting ground in a number of areas, including the unveiling of a draft Diaspora policy document.

Persons attending the Conference will also hear, first hand, how the government and stakeholders are dealing with such issues as national security/immigration; the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliant Act (FATCA); healthcare and education among other sectors.

In the meantime, Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board Member for northeast USA, Irwin Clare, also emphasised the importance of the Diaspora preparing to capitalize on opportunities for partnership that will be presented at the conference.

He pointed out that the conference is an invitation to "explore and sign on to the myriad of business ventures that are available in Jamaica".

Also addressing the launch was Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Herman Lamont, who called on Diaspora members to support the event so that they can hear first-hand how the government is addressing a number of problems facing the country and participate in the ensuing discussions.

Similar sector launches have so far been held in London, Miami and Canada.

Contact Derrick Scott